Hi Everyone! Welcome back to another chapter and a big thank you to all whom reviewed! Yaminisu, Koobre and Pharaohs Girl18, you've all made my day, so thank you. Hopefull you'll enjoy this chapter just as much.

Pharaohs Girl18: Ishizu wasn't lying when she was did the ultrasound, she was truly believing that it was just air inside Yami's intestines. Now that she knows differently, will come my favourite part. Her panicking he he he

Koobre: I'm glad you believe Atemu is the best husband ever, which means that I have succeeded.

That said, there is no torture in this chapter aside from Atemu's sadness and Ishizu's mental panic-state. Enjoy!

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Chapter 21

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Even though the shadows hummed softly in an attempt to reassure both their master and possession, the black tendril shuddered as they could feel the fear. It was that fear which had made their master lash out at them in anger and even though they were shot down in their pride, they could understand. The dark magic felt sorry as they nuzzled the Neko softly, especially because he was trembling in that same fear their master portrayed. Their master took another shuddering breath while he crawled back on top of the bed and embraced their beloved as tightly as he could.

The pale Neko wished he could suppress the trembles, especially as he wound his arms around his lover's frame, but he had seen those rose-red eyes gleam with fright. He tried to nuzzle his lover, to tell him it would be all right, but would it be? "I cannot allow for the shadows to continue this", was Atemu's soft whisper while he tightened his hold upon his kitten. "I can't lose you. If the babies are born, one of them will kill you while the other dies a most gruesome death. I will not let that happen", the demon continued to clarify softly and he nuzzled Yami in hopes of the other understanding his plea. He needed the pale man against his own frame, he needed the other as his anchor while he begged the shadows to please undo what they had done. Yami meant everything to him, had they not understood that last week? Had they not felt his world shatter when their beloved had been near death?

"But... Até...", Yami whispered softly as he tried to calm down while he caressed his lover through his hair. The demon was truly scared, which only fuelled the Neko's fear, yet, there was a small part within him wanting this. Atemu deserved an heir, especially if the shadows would grant them two children to love and care for. "Wouldn't there be another way?", he asked, but the tanned demon merely sighed softly while he continued to hold his lover. He shook his head in sadness, especially because the shadows didn't listen to his wish to for terminating the pregnancy. They were humming and purring softly to ease his mind, but they couldn't. Not with his lover's life on the line.

"All Souleater children eat the soul from the mother they are born from. You, pregnant with my children... Ones you cannot even birth yourself... I will not have you endangered by a caesarian, nor by children who will need a soul to live", Atemu said in an attempt to try and explain his reasoning. Yet, it appeared even his Neko wouldn't listen to him for when he looked up at his lover's face, crimson eyes stared back at him in wonder .

"But, Até... The caesarian might open up options. What if the babies eat other souls the moment they are born? What if they can eat the soul from someone in the room?", Yami asked and Atemu looked at him. There was silence as the demon felt torn by his feelings. He was angry at the shadows for even attempting such a dangerous pregnancy and he was sad he had to crush not only their hopes, but Yami's as well. His lover had always accepted the shadow's magic without too much thought and again, it surprised Atemu how willing his kitten was to accept even this fate. The shadows were using his body for their own personal fun, for Atemu didn't want heirs. They would only be in danger all the time considering his 'lovely' family and he didn't want them to go through that.

"Please, Até... There must be a way? This is a special gift... One I want to give you. Won't we be able to think of something?", Yami continued to ask as he laid his hands against Atemu's cheeks. The demon continued to look sad, however and the Neko nibbled his lip slightly. "If the shadows gave our children half-and-half, that would mean they are kittens like me. Maybe that can change the necessity for them requiring souls to live", the pale man continued to try in his attempt to reason with Atemu's depressing thoughts. Rose-red eyes looked at him though, as if the idea sparked hope within the tanned demon and Yami smiled lovingly for he truly wanted this.

"Kitten...", Atemu whispered softly as he tried to smile. His beloved was filled with a hope he did not have and he wished he could give his lover what the Neko not only deserved, but wished for as well. If only he could take those worries away, but he knew the children would draw the soul from their mother's body as soon as they were taken from it. A caesarian wouldn't change anything... How was he to tell that to his beloved?

Glancing sideways when the shadows gently nudged him, Atemu frowned as they curled up against Yami's body gently. He sighed softly for he was still angry at them for endangering his lover's life and for not listening to his pleas. Deepening his frown as he released his lover slightly, the tanned demon sat up a little more which encouraged the black tendrils to curl up against the Neko's body some more. He couldn't take is sight of the white orb glimmering in their depths, however and he gently touched the dark magic that showed itself. Had they been carrying souls around? The thought linger when pale hands touched his face again and Atemu softened his gaze when he was forced to look in his lover's crimson eyes.

"Até... I never questioned you or the shadows and I know you're angry at them, but please... They're just trying to help and I know you always said you didn't want an heir because you didn't feel as if you could protect them like you do with me, but I know you can Até. You are my world, my demon and my beloved husband. You have always given me everything I wanted, so... will you let me give something else in return? Something that I know you have wanted to have but denied yourself?", Yami whispered softly as the shadows slithered upon the bed while the Neko drew all of Atemu's attention upon him. Lovingly, the tanned demon nuzzled his kitten as he felt himself calm down ever so slightly. Nothing was all right, but the Neko's words soothed him either way.

"You give me love and acceptance, Kitten. You give me understanding and there is not more that I want to ask of you, because you already make me happy. But don't let the shadows use your body. If there would ever be a time for children, than it will be without you dying while giving birth to them", Atemu whispered as he nuzzled his lover lovingly. Yet, Yami purred as he returned the nuzzle and his tail curled with confidence for he had decided. He would always trust his lover, but this time, something deep within him said it was all right.

"You are my beloved, Até, you will protect all of us and so will the shadows. They may have a plan, just like they have been trying to tell us for weeks we were expecting with all of their images. We didn't listen to them then, but perhaps we can right now? You often say they love me, let them prove that as much as we prove our love to one another", Yami murmured, his ears slightly droopy as he enjoyed the nuzzle he received while Atemu pulled him closer for much needed comfort. Could he trust the shadows to keep his lover alive? They had done so on many occasions and the demon had always had faith in them before... Could he do so again?

Rose-red eyes looked down at the shadows curling up against Yami's body while he was embracing it again lovingly and they once again showed a white orb in their midst. A second lay a little deeper in the black tendril and as Atemu squinted, he could see a third. It was as if they carried a whole nest of white eggs around, just in case something would have happened and Atemu smiled ever so slightly. They were prepared, could he be too? Smiling as his mind was slowly made up, the tanned demon returned Yami's loving purr while he consented with the idea of Yami carrying their unborn children.

"I wonder what they'll be like", he whispered lovingly and Yami mewed softly as he tightened the embrace around Atemu's neck, before giving him a submissive nuzzle underneath the chin. The tanned demon chuckled softly as he let his lover get comfortable against him while he caressed the Neko's side lovingly. He was not completely at ease just yet, but Yami had been right... he had always denied himself the thought of raising children. Simply because he had been afraid and adopting had not been an option yet either. He would scar the chosen children with his magic before they'd truly feel at home. Nor had he wanted his children with his wives roaming the house, but they had been taught their lessons and Atemu was determined to make sure they wouldn't touch his children either.

"Strong like you", Yami murmured softly while the adrenaline from their semi-panic attacks was gone and he felt sleepy once more. Had he been tired because of them? Because of the children he was to carry? The thought sparked a new surge of panic, however, and Yami gasped softly while flattening his ears again. At the gasp, Atemu lifted his face from the Neko's chest to look up at him worriedly.

"What?", he asked softly as Yami shuddered and laid his hand against his abdomen softly. The pale Neko gazed at the shadows, as if he wanted for them to answer and Atemu frowned as he sat up slowly. Yami trembled slightly while he turned his gaze from the shadows at his side towards the demon staring down upon him and his black cat-ears flattened in new panic.

"I was pregnant when I was poisoned. What if that hurt the babies? What if Anzu hurt them too?", the Neko asked, gazing at the shadows again which curled around his frame and pressed against his abdomen lovingly. They tried to reassure him, even though the images with which they tried were sickening. The black magic appeared to be happy as some of their forms were dancing around the bed and they were humming a joyful lullaby. Atemu softly pulled his beloved back in an embrace as he laid down again when Yami tensed at the visions shown to them. The tanned demon quickly blocked the images from his lover's mind when he could see his kitten's face pale considerably at them.

"I believe they mean to say the kittens are fine", Atemu whispered as he had another mental struggle with the shadows. They wanted to reassure Yami and were angry at their master for stopping that, even though they could see the Neko was upset by them. Yet, the dark magic purred when their beloved possession caressed them as soon as the nauseas feeling had passed to a bearable level and all was forgiven when he did. "But I also believe it is best if the shadows rely their messages onto me first before they bombard you with their 'happiness'", were the demon's next words and Yami nodded as he cuddled up to his lover when Atemu laid down on his back.

"I do hope I can stand next to you again soon, Até, but the dungeons are off limits for a while", Yami reasoned, even though it cracked his heart in two. He always loved spending his time in the dungeons with his demon, if only for so he could see how his lover's rose-red eyes would light up with excitement. Atemu nodded in return while he pulled his lover closer against his frame at the same time the shadows turned down the lights in their chambers again. After all, it was still night even though a lot had happened and his kitten needed rest. Especially if he was pregnant.

"You always stand by my side, Kitten. Even without your physical presence near me, I know you're there", Atemu answered as he caressed Yami's back in hopes of soothing his lover's stomach and mind altogether. The pale Neko purred softly in response as he nuzzled his demon's chest with a warm smile upon his lips and he hoped his demon could sleep like he had done before their visit to the infirmary.

"You called them 'kittens' just now", he whispered sleepily and the pale Neko blamed his current state of mind for not noticing sooner. Yet, because the new surge of adrenaline had left his body completely, he was also far more tired than he should be and Yami yawned as he snuggled up to Atemu a little more. "They can be Souleaters, Até. No ears or tails, but handsome demons like yourself", Yami continued and it was much more preferred in his opinion. If they would be normal, they wouldn't be hunted down when they'd grow up. They wouldn't be in danger, even though Atemu and the shadows would protect them at all times, being a Neko would still gain any form of unwanted attention. The tanned demon chuckled at his soft comment, however, while continuing to caress his lover's back in loving affection.

"They'll be kittens, my love. Beautiful kittens, like yourself", Atemu whispered, his eyes occasionally falling close as he enjoyed Yami's body against his own. They would get through this, he would find a way for his beloved and his kittens to survive. He had months to prepare himself for both the caesarian and to plan the birth. For now, he wished to enjoy his made up mind that whispered to him he was lucky to have Yami. That he was lucky to have a lover who wished to carry their children even though it was dangerous, yet had hope that all would be well. It was the part of him that whispered he was going to be a parent and the thought made him smile. They were about to have a family and even though the thought was accompanied by fear, there was love as well. A lot of love.

"Maybe not, Até", Yami whispered softly, which broke the tanned demon's train of thoughts unknowingly. The pale Neko smiled, however, for he couldn't wait to give his lover what Atemu deserved most. Happiness, love and more than what merely he could give. His lover deserved children whom loved him and Yami sighed softly as another thought kept him from falling asleep completely while he kneaded Atemu's chest to try and comfort himself. "What if they are kittens like me?", he questioned softly, suddenly remembering the dreams he had had in the past few weeks. Of him and Atemu enjoying themselves, while two black kittens were cuddled up to them or were playing with his beloved demon.

"Then they'll be cute", Atemu answered just as sleepily, but Yami murmured something softly, as if he was trying to go to sleep and couldn't. Which was true, as another thought nagged at the Neko's mind to stay awake a little longer. He gasped softly as the nagging made sense and slowly, he lifted his head from Atemu's chest.

"Até... if the kittens are Neko... They'll be born soon. Our kind is only pregnant for five weeks and the talk about heirs was three weeks ago. What will we do?", Yami asked softly as rose-red eyes blinked open to stare at him. Was he truly only allowed to enjoy this moment with his lover for the next two weeks? What would happen? But, then again... they were hybrids which meant the birth could take longer. It meant he would still have months to prepare himself for he would not lose the love of his life.

"We'll be ready, Kitten. We'll be ready for them", Atemu whispered and Yami smiled as he nodded and believed his lover. He would always believe his world and with his mind at ease, the pale Neko finally fell asleep as he nuzzled Atemu's chest lovingly. The tanned demon merely continued to listen to the purr for a moment longer while the shadows darkened their room and would block out any kind of light in case they'd sleep passed dawn. Which was all right, he had to be with his kitten right now, because Yami was most important and Atemu smiled as the shadows agreed with him whole-heartedly.

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Pacing the infirmary as she wasn't sure what to do, Ishizu took a deep breath to try and calm herself. She hadn't been able to sleep the remainder of the night, though she had taken a bath to try and hide that fact with little results as she could feel the stress and panic creep up on her. How could Yami be pregnant? Who had dared to touch him? Was it their master after all? Did they have a secret relationship? But then... if Yami was male... that was not possible. What if he was female though? Partially? Was that even possible?, Ishizu's mind screamed at her and she shook her head. No... No, it was not. Even if Yami was a hermaphrodite, he would be infertile as both sides of him would be undeveloped. All of her known studies showed this, as well as the studies that said male Neko's could not get pregnant. What if she had seen wrong? What it the black shapes were still tumours like she had thought at first?

Again, no, because she had studied the shapes thoroughly with every possible book about ultrasounds and pregnancies and the pictures were almost always identically the same. Black blob and shape within. Plus... there had been a heartbeat concerning both shapes. She couldn't lie about that. Tumours do not have heartbeats, but the male Neko couldn't be pregnant either! If she was not to finish the line of thought that believed for Yami to be partially female, then he had to be male.

Or, her mind mused, perhaps he is female. Ishizu groaned as she wished she had answers. Straight answers, not the one leading her to believe Yami was tormented so much in the past that the thought of him being a her was traumatising and was therefore not to be said out loud. Though it would make a certain kind of sense, wouldn't it? What if Yami's body was tortured to the point of no recognition? Sighing at her foolishness, Ishizu shook her head. She would have noticed that at any point of her making the ultrasound.

How would she be able to solve this, though? Not only that, if the Neko was pregnant (which was still ridiculous), it also meant Ishizu had to prepare herself for a very unwanted caesarian. It meant she had to, quite possibly, cut into the body of her master's most beloved possession. She would not survive that ordeal, which terrified her greatly.

Taking a deep breath, Ishizu turned towards the door as someone knocked. Tilting her head as she didn't expect anyone, she was mildly surprised when Shizuka entered her office. The young girl smiled slightly, though she was still traumatised by what she had done last week and that was visible upon her expression. "Shizuka, come in", Ishizu said softly as she pulled out a chair for the younger woman to sit down upon and the other smiled in gratitude as she closed the door behind herself before walking inside. "What can I do for you?", the black-haired woman asked while stormy-grey eyes looked at her in worry.

"Well... I was wondering if you were all right? You seemed tense at breakfast, as if something was bothering you. I know you never needed a hug these past few days and that you tried to be strong, but it's all right to ask for a listening ear, Ishizu. Especially if you can use one", Shizuka murmured softly, which had blue eyes gleam in surprise, before they warmth considerably.

"It's all right, Shizuka, but I don't need to talk about what happened last week. I am quite all right, though there is something on my mind right now that needs solving. A patient of mine got sick and I'm trying to figure out what I can do to make him better. The studies are just getting to me", the black-haired woman lied partially while she watched how her answer made Shizuka nibble her lip.

"Is it bad?", she asked, though Ishizu tilted her head while thinking of an answer.

"No, it's not bad, just very unusual and needs a different kind of approach than it does with other people. I'll have to thread carefully, but I'm sure I can do that. I just have to think of a way how, which is the worst part of it all", Ishizu replied, which made the younger woman smile ever so slightly as she believed the answer. If was partially true and Ishizu was glad she could keep a straight face through all of it. If not, it meant death for more people than just her after all...

"I know you can do it. You have always helped all of us, may it be by healing our wounds or just being there for us while we were distressed. We need you, Ishizu, so please... if you need us, know that we will always listen? Even if you want our help in solving a medical mystery", Shizuka said with her smile broadening as Ishizu embraced her gently.

"I will remember, Shizuka", she said and the auburn-haired girl nodded, before she grew serious again and sighed. Ishizu looked at her as stormy-grey eyes moved to glance at the floor.

"I'm glad you will remember, but... do you have something that will make it easier for Mai to fall asleep? She continues to watch over me and I realise I still need her to be there, but I have a feeling she has trouble sleeping. Is there anything strong that you know of aside from the usual sleeping draught that will be able to help her?", Shizuka asked, glancing up to see the older woman purse her lips slightly. Releasing the younger girl, Ishizu walked towards her cupboard and gently picked a vial from it.

"Aside from me hoping Mai will speak to you about what is keeping her from her sleep, this might help her sleep in a little easier. You can give it to her with a little water and five drops should be enough. Just know that all Mai wants is for you to feel safe, Shizuka. Let her know that, what you have just told me, counts for her as well and she should turn around again", Ishizu said, for she knew Mai. The blonde woman still blamed herself and still had trouble accepting the fact Shizuka needed her and looked up to her. But, perhaps the younger girl could help the blonde woman, the same way Mai did with her.

"I have faith in you", Ishizu whispered as Shizuka thanked her with a warm embrace, before leaving the infirmary with a soft: "I have faith in you too". Was her faith well-placed though? Would she be all right and would she make the right decisions regarding Yami? What if she had everything wrong? What if it was still a tumour? Shaking her head, the black-haired woman knew she needed to examine the Neko again. Especially if she was to make sure the babies could be born healthy and alive. She had to know how far along he was, what they were to expect and slowly, she picked a book from the shelf to read. First, she had to get her medical knowledge of Neko's at a higher level than they currently were or else she would quite possible condemn all of them.

Yet, she wasn't very fond of reading the book and the black-haired woman nibbled her lip as she stared at the cover. Most of the information written upon the pages was very accurate, but received through painful experimentations upon Neko's her master hated so. Yet, it was one of the only books written about the creatures with quite possibly everything she needed and with a trembling hand, she opened the object to the first pages. Only to slam it back shut when there was a knock on the door and Ishizu trembled when rose-red eyes were watching her carefully upon her master's entrance. Ishizu stared back at him, before rising from her seat with slight worry within her blue eyes.

"My Lord, did something happen? Is Yami all right?", the black-haired woman questioned, to which Atemu took a deep breath.

"As all right as he can be. Luckily, he was not that nauseas anymore this morning and had a light breakfast, before he took to a stroll through the garden in order to feed the deer. The shadows are with him currently, keeping him safe from harm, though I wanted to speak with you concerning his pregnancy", the tanned demon answered, before he sat down upon one of the comfortable chairs opposite of her desk. Slowly, Ishizu followed his example and nodded, as she waited for her master to continue. Did the demon really believe his possession was pregnant?

"It's a relieve to hear he feels better, my Lord", she said slowly in return as she didn't want to aggravate him even more than she had already done. Atemu merely hummed softly.

"Yes, though that will get us to my next point. Because I need your medical knowledge, I am willing to overlook the comment you made last night. Yami is my possession and your 'slip of the tongue' couldn't be more wrong. Yet, the shadows decided to play Creator God and have impregnated him with children. Kittens, we believe, which means you have two weeks to prepare yourself for an unfortunate caesarian. You have already harmed my possession enough when he was ill with your needles, which I know was needed as will this be. Yet, I do expect for you to keep his pain to a minimum as well as do as little harm as possible", was the soft order, though the eerie rose-red eyes were hard and cold. He didn't like the idea of her performing the caesarian and it made Ishizu swallow thickly, before she nodded.

"I understand my Lord and I will try my best to make sure Yami feels nothing from the procedure. Prior, during and afterwards, so that he may enjoy his children when they have been born. Though my Lord, I must ask so that I am prepared, but the shadows had an involvement? Are they not part of you? What if the children will be Souleaters?", the black-haired woman asked and she tried to ignore the dark look in his eyes or the threat he would condemn her with if Yami would be hurt beyond his approval. She had to know, though because she knew the rumours. They did, however, blast all of her other suspicions concerning the Neko and her master out of the window though. Her master's possession was more than a half-sibling and suddenly everything made far more sense to her than ever before. Everything from the past five years fell into place... as did his consent concerning her brother and Mana. He knew about forbidden love more so than anyone, which would be the reason he had 'overlooked' the young and innocent feelings between the youngsters.

Ishizu's mind came to a halt when Atemu slowly rose from his chair. "That part does not need your concern. We are working on a plan to keep Yami and the kittens alive. What is of your concern is that within two weeks time, I want you to be ready for when the kittens may be born. We are aware the children are hybrids and they may take longer to develop, but be ready either way for I will not forgive you if you are not. Also, you are not to speak of this to anyone and you know better than everyone else that the shadows know everything. I will not overlook another 'slip of the tongue', Ishizu", the tanned demon whispered with a hiss, before he marched out of the door because he had already said more than he had been willing to say.

He realised she had to know about the children, especially if she was expected to do her job well for nobody could do that without the right information, but it also meant he had to give away more of their secrecy away to someone he rather not trust with that piece of information. Ishizu may be the most loyal to him, but she was still 'just' a wife and an implication could be easily reversed. If she would spill the secret he was less likely to share with her, Yami's life and that of their kittens would be in grave danger. He would not allow for that to happen and deep down, Ishizu knew that. She knew the threat that hang above her head and the black-haired woman shuddered slightly as soon as the door fell close behind her master.

Even though she didn't want to let her feelings get a hold of her, the demon terrified her. How was she to make sure Yami had no pain, while giving birth was not an easy task? Especially not as she had heard the implication. The children were hybrids, so that meant they were part Souleater. If so, one of them would kill Yami the moment they were taken from within him. She had read about it in a few of her thick books, exactly like the one currently occupying her desk. Even though this one was far more horrid than the other ones and Ishizu sighed as she glanced at the decorative cover before her. Trembling ones more, she opened the book, even though she once more wished she didn't have to read it.

Yet, she had to because Yami needed. The self-loath formed on its own accord, however, for the information inside the book was gained in such a way that nearly proved even her master seemed sane sometimes. Innocent Neko's had often been subjugated to terrible experiments, just in the name of science and Ishizu shuddered at the idea while she tried to find what she was looking for. But never had it been recorded for a male Neko to be pregnant and it wasn't even certain they were kittens to begin with.

Rolling her eyes at herself, the black-haired woman merely wrote down the full list of medications Yami was allowed to have, from the ones necessary to the ones she already knew. Anything to keep her master on her good side and to prove she was taking this seriously. Even though she wondered how the shadows had performed such a task and how were they keeping the children alive? Would they be Souleaters? Would she die when she delivered them? Would she feel anything of that?

Shaking her head, Ishizu sighed as she closed the book and took her list of prescribed medicine with her. If she wanted to do this right, she had to make sure all of the medication the Neko could have was available to them. Afterwards, it would probably be best for another check-up. Even though she wondered if her master would allow for that, but it was necessary. Not only for the Neko, but for the children as well and that would surely give her the consent to do another ultrasound. Glancing outside her window, Ishizu sighed when she could see both Mana and Malik sitting outside on a bench. They were lovely together and if not for either her master's implicated death-threat or because Yami deserved to live, she would definitely do her best for them. Definitely. Even if that meant she eventually had to go out of her office and hunt down the Neko for another check-up, only to find him in the gardens where he was looking at the fish in the pond.

The act was so normal, it surprised her to the point she took a moment to observe him. Yami looked at peace, even though she could see he was thinking of something while absentmindedly caressing his abdomen. The shadows were surrounding him like they usually did and not for the first time was Ishizu amazed by the fact he was not frightened of them. She didn't know his past, nor did she think she would ever come to have knowledge of it, but all Neko's had seen horror. Was her master truly not that bad?

Her mind came to a halt when crimson eyes looked up and the black cat-ears perched up in interest while he seemed hostile at the same time. Guarded and protective with his tail puffed up slightly as if he would protect himself against anything and the black-haired woman somehow knew he would. Ishizu remained where she was, however, and watched how Yami calmed down as he recognised her while the shadows curled around his frame. A small smile appeared upon his pale lips as his eyes warmed with kindness and slowly, Yami got up from his spot near the pond, though he regretfully left the fish behind as he focused upon Ishizu solely with a tilt of his head in question. The eldest woman smiled in return as he neared her, glad she had been recognised as no threat.

"I'm very sorry to disturb your time alone, and I'm very sorry to tell you this without the master around, but I must do another examination. Especially because I want to be as prepared as I can be for when the children will be born", she said while Yami looked at her. Black cat-ears were tilted back slightly and the pale Neko frowned as he didn't like the idea. He knew it was necessary, but couldn't she wait until Atemu was finished with his work? He was merely having a proper lunch down in the dungeons, but on the other hand... He had always trusted Ishizu, she had never harmed him and with a smile, Yami nodded slowly. The shadows were with him after all, he didn't need to be afraid, even though his instincts told him to run. As if he was reliving everything from eight years ago and the pale man could feel his muscles tense as soon as they reached the infirmary.

It was not because he feared Ishizu as a woman, it was the fact she had to touch him. It was the fact he had to return to the place where his lover had nearly found the deadliest kind of grief and Yami simply didn't want to be reminded of that. Nor of the needles and vials of medication. The ultrasound was safe, however and he relaxed ever so slightly as he leaned against the bed to lie down in order for Ishizu to measure the kittens in his abdomen. She had the volume up again, which made everything better as he was able to listen to the heartbeats and he knew he was making the right decision even though his lover was still frightened of what could happen.

All day he had wondered if he had been allowed to go against his demon and choose the children, even though his lover had objected against him carrying them. But how could he not? Atemu deserved an heir, he deserved children, just like his dreams had shown to him after he had finally fallen asleep. Yes, he was afraid to lose the children because he was not worthy enough, but also wanted to gift Atemu with something he wouldn't receive otherwise. Especially as he heard the heartbeats again. His lover deserved this, his demon deserved to be happy and to have a family he could raise with all the love from his heart.

The shadows purred softly too as they curled around his frame while Ishizu took measurements and compared them to pictures in her books. She would mumble or nod to herself a few times, up until the moment she allowed for Yami to clean himself. His own heartbeat was examined and written down, before she seemed to write down her conclusion. Blue eyes were warm as she looked up at him, though Yami wasn't sure if he wanted to know what she had to say.

"Compared to the knowledge in the books, it might be somewhat safe to assume you are indeed carrying kittens. Especially as they are able to appear on the ultrasound at the age of three weeks and their measurements are as stated in the books. They are a little smaller, that I do admit, but their heartbeat is strong and they look lively", Ishizu said and Yami nodded slowly. They had seen the lively-part Ishizu described as one of the kittens had been moving its paw during the examination. It saddened Yami he wasn't able to feel any of that, but the black-haired woman had explained to him the kittens wouldn't even show. If he had not become nauseas, they still wouldn't have known he was pregnant and Yami sighed softly as nuzzled the shadows with affection.

The plus side to them knowing was for the dark magic to lessen up on their images about burning babies. His lover had kindly complained they still did it occasionally, but both men had realised they did it because they were happy, even though those images were currently prohibiting them from talking to Yami, considering the Neko was easily nauseated by their visions. It was one of the things the pale man hoped to get over soon, because he wanted to be with his lover again and share the burden of the dark magic that rested upon his demon's shoulders.

As he finished cleaning his skin from the cold gel, Yami rose to his feet and got himself dressed properly while Ishizu was scribbling down a few more things. "All I can advise you is to take plenty of rest and to listen to your body. If something happens or if you feel uncomfortable, we should be able to figure out what I can do to help you. I will read through the remaining books as much as I can to see which ones can help me the most while we wait for the kittens to be ready", Ishizu said and the pale Neko nodded in understanding. He smiled in gratitude, because neither him or Atemu knew what to expect either and he was glad Ishizu was taking this so well. He knew she was scared, for he could see that much, and the pale Neko sighed softly as he tried no to follow in her mood as he walked from the infirmary with a nod in farewell.

It was odd though... he had little to no mood-swings, although there had been occasions he had been more playful than he had been in the past years. Aside from that, he was tired most of the time and long for his catnaps even more so than was normal, but he was sure that was just his body reacting to the kittens growing within him. The nausea was a little sudden and very unwelcome as it made sure he couldn't stand at his lover's side they way he longed for. Plus, there were his instinct suddenly peaking in certain happenings. Telling him to guard, kill, play, hiss or simply run whenever they thought it was necessary. It was a little maddening, though he currently agreed with the instinct to hide as he moved back to the chambers he always shared with his lover.

"Safe at last", he muttered softly while the shadows followed him inside and down into the private garden. They swapped his outfit as he was currently wearing the one he usually wore while he was at 'work', with a silk attire that was extremely comfortable. Slipping out of his shoes, Yami purred softly as he let himself be surrounded by the other cats when they cuddled up to him on the rocking bed and they happily purred at him in greeting. He returned the greeting as he caressed them, while the shadows curled up next to him and claimed the spot against his abdomen. Gently, the pale man caressed them as well while he frowned slightly.

"They will be born all right, won't they? You won't hurt Atemu, will you? I know why you did it, you wanted to prove his sibling wrong. You wanted for Atemu to be happy, but... he looked so sad last night... Will he be all right?", Yami asked with worry clouding his voice while the shadows pressed up against his frame. All they did was purr and hum softly while bringing forth a light meal. Yet, Yami shied away from the food which disappeared as easily as it had been procured. The image they showed him was as normal as they could probably manage, with his lover standing on top of a mountain of skulls with Yami at his side. Two small black kittens were added to the picture while they stood at Atemu's feet and the pale Neko smiled lovingly as the image faded.

"I know you love him", the pale Neko whispered softly while he continued to caress the black body curled up against him. His skin warmed as the sun shone down upon them and Yami yawned as he got himself comfortable and he purred softly in gratitude when a blanket was draped over his frame. All they wanted was to take care of him and his lover, after all. Not always in the easiest ways, but at least they tried and Yami knew his demon knew that too. Both of them were loved and soon, two more would be added to that equation which made the Neko smile lovingly as he fell asleep to his usual dream. Green grass spread out in front of him while he leaned against Atemu. Two black kittens were playing before them as they were out on a picnic and Yami purred as his lover kissed his dream-self. Soon, he knew. Soon, this is reality.

With that purr coming from his throat and his lips curled in a loving smile, Yami was found by Atemu as the latter returned to their chambers. Without waking his lover, the demon accepted both the seat the shadows procured for him as well as the goblet of wine, just so he could watch his lover dream. He looked so peaceful and at ease, Atemu didn't have the heart to wake him. Nor did he want to deprive his lover of the much-needed rest, even though the shadows curled against his frame as they whispered for him to sleep as well, but he couldn't as he enjoyed the sight before him of twitching ears and soft purrs.

Yes, he had finally gone through the few appointments that he had been postponing and he had finally eaten his fill while worry ate his mind. What if the shadows had overlooked something? What if their plan would not work? Was he able to feed a soul to the kittens before they took Yami's? Would both him and the shadows be able to change their fate? His magic was mostly tied to what he was, even though they were different from other Souleaters he had had the unfortunate chance to meet. In any case, he would have to up the shadow's security surrounding Yami and their chambers. Nobody was to come in without his lover being safe. Nobody was to go out either without Atemu making sure they'd never enter again.

His train of thoughts were broken when Yami murmured softly while waking from his dream and Atemu smiled at the hazy look in crimson eyes accompanied by the flick of black cat-ears. Getting up from his seat, the tanned demon joined his Neko upon the bed while caressing the tri-coloured hair lovingly while his beloved mewed softly in greeting. Just the fact Yami was able to carry children, his children, was the other side of the coin. It made him excited and feel loved... it made him want to shout out to the world his lover would give him the greatest gift of life while it also asked for his vigilance and protection.

"Até", Yami murmured softly and the demon hummed softly in response. "You stink. Can we take a bath to get rid of that, please?", were the next few words and Atemu rose an eyebrow in question. When he watched how Yami covered his nose with the sheets and turned rather pale, Atemu quickly got off the bed with an apologetic chuckle.

"My sincere apologies, Kitten. I shall get myself cleaned up", he whispered as he handed his goblet of wine back to the shadows before he made his way back inside. Black cat-ears caught the sound of running water, before Yami pursed his lips in loneliness. Even though it made him sick, the Neko really wanted to be with his lover and slowly, the pale man got off the bed as he was sure his lover needed 'help'. The shadows followed him as he walked into the bathroom and they undressed him while the Neko let his hands trace the well defined, bare back of his lover.

"Please, Até... I said 'we'? I missed you", he whispered, while placing soft kisses against the revealed tanned skin. Rose-red eyes looked at him in return with worry, but Yami smiled as the fragrance of soap was far more prominent than the penetrating smells of the dungeon. "It's all right, Até. I'll be fine", the pale man whispered as he lovingly nipped on the tanned neck.

"Only if you truly are, Kitten", Atemu replied softly with relieve and love in his voice, before he nuzzled his beloved and kissed his brow softly. He really wouldn't know what to do if he would lose his lover, but as he felt the pale body lean against his chest, the demon also couldn't help but lay his hands against the flat abdomen. It was odd to know his lover was pregnant and yet, didn't show it. His belly felt warm though, especially as Yami laced their fingers lovingly.

"I'm fine, Até. I'm tired, yes, and I'll probably spend my days in our chambers. I want to be here, I don't feel comfortable out there. Will you try and be with me?", Yami asked, his clinging feelings overwhelming him as he felt at peace at last. His lover was here, with him and nothing could beat that. Atemu continued to nuzzle him as well, which made the pale Neko purr in content.

"I will be here as much as I can. At your side, forever", Atemu whispered and Yami nodded in agreement. They would always be loyal and always together.

"Forever", he whispered with a smile as Atemu kissed him softly with loving affection.

/\/\/\/\/\

Thank you all for reading this chapter and if you have the time, please leave a review. Hopefully you enjoyed it just as much as I did writing it and I'll see you all again in chapter 22. Byebye!